Literary Term - Cadence

 

Literary Term

Cadence 

Cadence is a literary term that refers to the rhythmic flow or modulation of sounds in speech or writing. It is often associated with the rise and fall of the voice in a spoken language or the patterns of sound in written language. Cadence contributes to the overall musicality and harmony of a piece of writing.

In poetry, cadence is particularly important, and poets often use various rhythmic patterns and meters to create a pleasing and melodious effect. It involves the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables, as well as the overall rhythm and pacing of a poem.

In prose, cadence can also play a role in creating a distinctive and engaging writing style. It involves the arrangement of words, phrases, and sentences to create a sense of rhythm and flow. A well-crafted cadence can enhance the readability and emotional impact of a piece of writing.

Overall, cadence is a crucial element in literature, contributing to the auditory experience of language and influencing the way readers or listeners engage with a text.

 

Types of Cadences

In music and poetry, cadences come in various types, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some common types of cadences:

 

Perfect Cadence:

Also known as an authentic cadence.

Provides a strong sense of resolution and conclusion.

Typically involves a V (dominant) to I (tonic) chord progression.

Often found at the end of a musical or poetic phrase, providing a sense of finality.

 

Imperfect Cadence:

Provides a partial resolution, creating a sense of expectation or suspension.

Often involves a chord progression from I (tonic) to V (dominant) or IV (subdominant) to V.

Frequently used to create a sense of continuation within a musical or poetic phrase.

 

Plagal Cadence:

Also known as the "Amen cadence."

Involves a IV (subdominant) to I (tonic) chord progression.

Often found in hymns and other religious music, contributing to a sense of reverence.

 

Half Cadence:

Provides an incomplete or open-ended feeling, often used to build tension.

Typically involves a progression to the V (dominant) chord without resolving to the I (tonic).

Often found at the midpoint of a musical or poetic phrase, creating a sense of anticipation.

 

Deceptive Cadence:

Also known as an interrupted cadence.

Involves an unexpected chord progression that deviates from the expected resolution.

Commonly features a V (dominant) chord resolving to a chord other than the expected I (tonic).

 

Phrygian Cadence:

Less common but distinctive.

Involves a progression from ♭II to ♭III to IV to I.

Often found in classical and modal music, providing a unique and expressive quality.

 

Picardy Third:

Occurs when a piece in a minor key concludes with a major tonic chord.

Provides a surprising and uplifting effect.

Commonly used in Baroque music.

 

These cadences play a crucial role in shaping the overall structure and emotional impact of musical compositions and poetic works. The choice of cadence can influence the mood, tension, and resolution within a piece.

 

Examples of Cadence in Literature

In literature, cadence often refers to the rhythmic flow and modulation of sounds in writing. While the concept of cadence is more readily associated with poetry and music, elements of cadence can also be found in prose.

 

Poetry:

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

This famous line from Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 exhibits a poetic cadence with its rhythmic and melodic quality.

 

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe

Poe's use of internal rhyme and rhythmic patterns contributes to the cadence in his famous poem, such as the repeated refrain "Nevermore."

 

Prose:

Ernest Hemingway:

Hemingway is known for his distinctive prose style, characterized by short, declarative sentences. The cadence in his writing contributes to a sense of precision and economy of language. For example, in "The Old Man and the Sea," the cadence of Hemingway's sentences mirrors the rhythmic and relentless nature of the sea.

 

F. Scott Fitzgerald:

In "The Great Gatsby," Fitzgerald's prose often exhibits a lyrical cadence, especially in descriptions of parties and the novel's iconic settings. The carefully chosen language and rhythm contribute to the novel's overall atmosphere.

 

J.K. Rowling:

Rowling's Harry Potter series has a distinctive cadence, especially in her use of dialogue and the rhythm of magical spells. The prose has a musical quality that engages readers and contributes to the fantastical world of the story.

 

Speeches:

Martin Luther King Jr.:

King's speeches, such as "I Have a Dream," are known for their powerful cadence. His use of repetition, parallel structure, and rhythmic phrasing adds to the impact of his words and enhances the persuasive quality of his speeches.

 

Winston Churchill:

Churchill's speeches during World War II are noted for their cadence and eloquence. His use of rhetorical devices and carefully crafted sentences contributed to the motivational power of his speeches.

 

These examples highlight how cadence, whether in poetry, prose, or speeches, contributes to the musicality and emotional impact of the language used in literature. Writers often use cadence intentionally to create a specific rhythm and tone that enhances the overall effect of their work.

 

Function of Cadence

The function of cadence in literature, whether in poetry or prose, is multifaceted.

Rhythmic Harmony:

Cadence provides a rhythmic harmony in language. Just as musical cadences contribute to the flow of music, literary cadences enhance the rhythm of language. This rhythmic quality can engage the reader or listener and create a pleasant and harmonious reading experience.

Emotional Impact:

Different cadences can evoke various emotions. For example, a perfect cadence may provide a sense of resolution and satisfaction, while an imperfect or interrupted cadence can create tension or anticipation. The emotional impact of a piece of literature is often influenced by the cadence used by the writer.

Structural Significance:

Cadence often marks the end of a poetic or musical phrase, contributing to the overall structure of a work. In poetry, a shift in cadence can indicate a change in tone, theme, or mood. In prose, cadence can mark the end of a paragraph or chapter, creating a sense of closure or transition.

Musicality of Language:

Cadence adds a musical quality to language. This is particularly evident in poetry, where the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables creates a unique rhythm. In prose, writers may use sentence structure and pacing to achieve a melodic and harmonious effect, contributing to the musicality of the language.

Enhancement of Style:

Cadence contributes to an author's unique writing style. Writers often develop their own cadences, whether consciously or unconsciously, which become a hallmark of their work. The distinctive cadence of a writer's prose or poetry can enhance their authorial voice and make their writing recognizable.

Pacing and Flow:

Cadence affects the pacing and flow of a literary work. The choice of cadence can influence the speed at which the reader progresses through the text. A rapid and energetic cadence can create a sense of urgency, while a slower and more deliberate cadence may encourage contemplation.

Memorability:

Memorable literary works often have a distinctive cadence that lingers in the reader's or listener's mind. The rhythmic patterns and melodic qualities of cadence contribute to the memorability of certain lines or passages.

Expressive Language:

Cadence allows writers to use language expressively. Through the manipulation of rhythm and sound, writers can convey not only the literal meaning of their words but also layers of emotion, mood, and nuance.

In summary, the function of cadence in literature is to enhance the aesthetic qualities of language, create emotional impact, and contribute to the overall structure and style of a literary work. Whether in poetry or prose, cadence is a powerful tool that writers use to engage and captivate their audience.